The cinematic world is reeling from the massive success of ‘Dhurandhar 2’, which has officially crossed the ₹1200 crore mark globally. However, this triumph is now overshadowed by a high-stakes controversy originating from across the border. Residents and local representatives of Lyari, an area in Karachi, Pakistan, have reportedly demanded 50% of the film’s profits, citing intellectual and cultural appropriation.

The core of the dispute lies in the film’s narrative. Critics and local activists claim that ‘Dhurandhar 2’ heavily draws inspiration from the gritty reality of Lyari’s gang wars and its unique socio-political landscape. According to the claimants, the filmmakers utilized the identity and history of Lyari to craft a blockbuster, accumulating massive wealth while giving nothing back to the community that provided the inspiration. “If our life stories are worth 1200 crores at the box office, then our people deserve at least half of that for the development of our region,” stated a representative from a local Karachi-based group.

Industry insiders suggest that while depicting a geographical location or a general culture doesn’t usually necessitate profit-sharing under international copyright laws, the specificity of the portrayals in ‘Dhurandhar 2’ has fueled this unprecedented demand. The controversy has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many questioning the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers when dealing with sensitive, real-world locations.

As the film continues to dominate the charts, the ‘Dhurandhar 2’ production house remains silent on the matter. Whether this leads to a formal legal battle or remains a sensational headline is yet to be seen. One thing is certain: the 1200 crore success story is now entangled in a complex international row.